Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on Monday hosted a meeting of the Regional Contact Group of Special Representatives of Central Asian countries on Afghanistan to discuss situation in Afghanistan and matters of practical cooperation, including the development of trade and economic ties, expansion of transit and transport corridors through Afghan territory, as well as regional security issues.
The Kazakh MFA reported that the meeting brought together
the representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The meeting was held in the backdrop of closure of Pakistan-Afghanistan border and all trade since the last four months.
Special Representative of the President of Kazakhstan for
Afghanistan Yerkin Tukumov stressed Kazakhstan’s interest in a constructive
exchange of views and in identifying practical solutions to pressing issues of
engagement with Kabul.
Participants underscored the importance of coordinating the
efforts of Central Asian states to ensure stability and sustainable development
in Afghanistan.
Following the meeting, the participants reaffirmed their
readiness to continue regular consultations and maintain working-level contacts
within the framework of the Regional Contact Group.
Earlier, Qazinform reported that Kazakhstan retained its
position as one of the major grain-exporting countries in the region,
strengthening its export potential and expanding globally.
Ahead of the meeting, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan emphasized
Afghanistan’s integration into Central Asia’s trade and economic structures,
describing it as one of the key requirements for achieving sustainable regional
stability and the economic development of neighboring countries.
Jannat Fahim Chakari, a political analyst, said: “Uzbekistan
and Kazakhstan are trying to help Afghanistan regain its place in regional
equations. Integrating Afghanistan into the regional structure is
one of the key objectives of these two countries. This benefits both
Afghanistan and other countries in the region.” 
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has not yet commented on
the holding of the meeting, political analysts consider regional gatherings
focused on Afghanistan to be important.
Najib Paikan, an international relations expert, added:
“With the active participation of countries that support Afghanistan, I believe
the meeting can be more effective. Countries such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan,
and to some extent Tajikistan, can serve as positive messengers for Kabul.”
Kazakhstan Importance
The country occupies a pivotal position at the heart of Eurasia, making it one of the most strategically significant countries for regional connectivity. As the world’s largest landlocked country, it borders Russia, China, and several Central Asian states, placing it at the crossroads of major trade and transit routes linking East Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
One of Kazakhstan’s most important assets is its role in overland trade between China and Europe. The Khorgos dry port on the Kazakhstan–China border has emerged as a major logistics hub, facilitating container traffic along rail corridors that significantly reduce transit time compared to maritime routes.
These rail links form a key component of transcontinental connectivity initiatives, enhancing Kazakhstan’s status as a transit and distribution center rather than merely a passageway.
Equally significant is Kazakhstan’s access to the Caspian Sea through the Port of Aktau. This enables its participation in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (often called the Middle Corridor), which connects China to Europe via Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. In a shifting geopolitical environment, this corridor provides an important alternative to northern routes, strengthening supply chain resilience.
Energy connectivity further amplifies Kazakhstan’s regional importance. The country is rich in oil, natural gas, and uranium, and its pipeline networks link it to neighboring markets and global consumers. These energy corridors reinforce interdependence across Eurasia and contribute to broader economic integration.
Beyond infrastructure and trade, Kazakhstan has positioned itself as a diplomatic bridge in the region. By hosting regional forums and dialogue platforms in its capital, Astana, it promotes multilateral cooperation and stability—both essential foundations for sustainable connectivity.
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